Outdoors
Bankside is a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll or jog, whichever section you start from. The four bridges that span the area - which are, in order from the most western, Blackfriars, Millennium, Southwark and London Bridge - are each at a walkable distance from the others, and interspersed with a fine selection of cafés, restaurants and Bankside's cultural attractions.
London Walks, a walking tour company, offer two walks through Bankside that will help you discover the quirky facts and immerse yourself in the area's history. The Along the Thames Pub Walk and Shakespeare's London. Try the first walk on an evening, when the lights of the bridges and buildings give the river a totally different character. A London Walks leaflet can always be picked up at the Founders Arms pub, in front of Bankside Gallery.
Al Fresco Dining
During the summer, Bankside offers a multitude of al fresco dining opportunities as well as fantastic riverside views (some of which can be enjoyed during the winter months too).
Here are a few suggestions...
Pubs with a View
Founder's Arms's printed menu illustrates the north bank skyline so you can pick out the buildings and monuments whilst enjoying the sun, The Anchor has a huge outside seating area and the first floor balcony you get a great view of both St Pauls and Tower Bridge and you cannot beat the Old Thameside Inn's atmospheric location in St Mary Overies' Wharf, where the replica of the Golden Hinde Tudor galleon is docked.
Watch People Stroll By
Along the riverside walkway close to Shakespeare's Globe, you will encounter a series of eateries that offer al fresco dining including Pizza Express (Bankside Riverwalk, west of Southwark Bridge Road, 020 7401 3977), The Real Greek and EAT (Bankside Riverwalk, nr Southwark Bridge).
Alternativly opt for the atmospheric location of Amano on medieval Clink Street or Black and Blue, in the heart of bustling Borough Market - watch as lunchtime workers crowd the pavements outside pubs and grab hot takeaway food from the market stalls.
Mix with the Locals
Just behind Tate Modern is a new cluster of refuelling and watering joints that during the week are a favourite of local employees and at weekends are quieter than their counterparts by the river. Leon, Del'Aziz, Viva Verdi, Tsuru and The Refinery offer al-fresco dining options.
Le Pique-Nique
Eateries around Borough Market offer tasty-licious takeaways: from sushi at Feng Sushi to Spanish jamon at Brindisa to fish at Fish! Takeaway to roast beef sarnies at Roast to Go.
Outdoor Havens
Along Stoney Street, Brew Wharf is a small outdoor haven to enjoy exactly what the name suggests a selection of own brews, which are aimed to please both the experienced and novice ale drinker, using traditional British malts and hops. Food also available.
For something a little more historic, have a meal or a couple of drinks in the cobbled courtyard of the George Inn, London's last remaining galleried coaching inn. It serves a number of excellent guest beers, including its own George Ale.
For an non-alcoholic option, The Refectory in the grounds of Southwark Cathedral is the perfect choice!
Cafe 171, The Rake and The Table also offer small outdoor areas hidden away from the road.
Picnic Spots
There are some great picnic spots in Bankside so grab a snack and make your way to one of these spaces:
- Tate Modern's lawn on the riverside
- Look out for Better Bankside's pink chairs and tables outside Tate Modern, in Southwark Cathedral's courtyard and in leafy Cathedral Square (on the north side of the Cathedral). They offer respite to weary feet!
- Red Cross Gardens, a newly restored community garden on Redcross Way, between Union Street and Marshalsea Road. Originally laid out by Octavia Hill in 1887, it has been restored to its Victorian glory.
- Outdoor seating can also be found along the riverside walkway close to Bankside Pier and behind Tate Modern at Bankside Mix.
